NCAA OPTS TO DEADEN METAL BATS

CHICAGO -- Citing concerns that metal alloy bats work too well, the NCAA changed the rules Wednesday to make them perform more like traditional wooden bats.

Advances in design and metallurgy in the 1990s have led to bats that send the ball rocketing into the field. That, critics say, has destroyed the character of the college game and put fielders in jeopardy.

The changes approved by the NCAA Executive Committee, which take effect Aug. 1, 1999, limit the size of the bat. The rules, which include making the bats narrower, are intended to make sure the ball does not leave the bat at any greater speed than 93 mph. The bats being used now send the ball into the field at speeds of up to 113 mph.

Samuel H. Smith, chairman of the NCAA Executive Committee, which approved the changes, said the potential for injury to a defensive player is "real and serious."

The NCAA's Baseball Rules Committee had recommended the changes and set January 1999 as their effective date.

Smith said that was too soon.

"We need to be sure we will have the bats available," he said.

Steve Baum, whose company makes a bat that combines the durability of metal with the less explosive properties of wood, called the delay "an absolute, ludicrous cop-out."

"It allows one more year of unsafe conditions for the kids, one more year of the integrity of baseball going to hell in a handcart," said Baum, president of Baum Research and Development Co.

Scott Christ, chief executive officer of KC Slammer, which makes wooden bats, also questioned the decision to wait a year.

"I was a little bit surprised on the delay since they basically acknowledged that they know the bats are dangerous," he said.

"If that is the case why the delay? You hope it's not so that Easton can liquidate their inventory."

Easton Sports Inc., maker of a popular line of alloy bats, stands to lose millions in sales.

"No one wants to buy a bat today that can't be used next year," said the company chairman, James Easton.

He said Wednesday's decision gives his company "a good bit of breathing room."

Easton is suing the NCAA for $267 million, charging restraint of trade and collusion with Baum's company, which Easton says makes the only bat that meets the new specifications. Baum also made the machine that the NCAA used to test the speed of batted balls.

Baum is suing Easton and two other bat-makers, charging antitrust violations.

Smith said the committee did not discuss the potential effect on Easton Sports, and that the lawsuit was not a major factor in the decision.

Easton said the alloy bats are no more dangerous than other types, and he hopes the NCAA can be persuaded to change its mind after reviewing evidence compiled from tests by an independent scientist.

"We really think the solution can only be found through sound scientific analysis," Easton said.

Many cite this year's College World Series championship game as an example of how offense-oriented the game has become in the era of alloy bats. Southern Cal defeated Arizona State 21-14 in that game.

"Is it the bats or is it the bigger, stronger players?" Easton asked. "I think there's some of each."